Potassium is a nutrient essential to many bodily functions, including muscle contractions, carbohydrate metabolism, and nerve function. Everyone needs some in their diet, and there are many foods rich in potassium to choose from if you're seeking to increase your intake.
However, many people suffering from kidney disease may follow a low-potassium diet, as their kidneys don't remove the excess as well as those of healthy people. Followers of such a diet must know the potassium content of common foods and stay within a daily intake set by their doctor.
Peanut butter is delicious and nutritious, but is it safe for those following a low-potassium diet?
Table of Contents
- Is Peanut Butter High or Low in Potassium?
- How Much Potassium Does Peanut Butter Contain?
- Is Peanut Butter Good for You?
- Is Peanut Butter High in Niacin?
- Is Peanut Butter High in Manganese?
- Is Chunky Peanut Butter Higher in Potassium Than Smooth?
- Are Peanuts Higher in Potassium Than Peanut Butter?
- Can You Get Too Much Potassium from Peanut Butter?
Is Peanut Butter High or Low in Potassium?
Peanut butter is relatively high in potassium, containing slightly more than the 200mg per serving threshold for low-potassium foods. Therefore, many followers of a low-potassium diet should limit their intake or avoid it completely.
However, if your potassium sensitivity isn't too severe, peanut butter is an excellent addition to your diet.
How Much Potassium Does Peanut Butter Contain?
A serving (2 tablespoons or 32g) of smooth peanut butter contains around 208mg of potassium.
Is Peanut Butter Good for You?
A serving of two tablespoons contains approximately 188 calories and a lot of fat, often trans fat. Trans fat increases bad cholesterol levels and lowers the good.
Consuming foods high in trans fats and sugar has been linked to stroke and heart attack. However, peanut butter is also a good source of beneficial nutrients; ensure it does not contain added sugar.
Is Peanut Butter High in Niacin?
Peanut butter is very high in niacin, which helps improve cholesterol levels, eases arthritis, and boosts brain function.
Niacin also reduces high blood pressure and helps prevent type 2 diabetes by lowering blood fat and sugar levels.
Is Peanut Butter High in Manganese?
Two tablespoons of peanut butter contain 23% of the recommended daily intake of manganese, essential for forming connective tissue, bones, blood-clotting factors, and sex hormones.
Is Chunky Peanut Butter Higher in Potassium Than Smooth?
Chunky peanut butter is slightly higher in potassium, with two tablespoons containing 238mg. Other than that, they're nutritionally very similar.
Don't know which foods are high in potassium? Read our article 15 Best Food Sources of Potassium. We also have a guide on this important mineral: Potassium 101: All You Need To Know About Potassium.
Are Peanuts Higher in Potassium Than Peanut Butter?
A serving of 28g of peanuts contains 199mg of potassium, so those on a low-potassium diet can consume them in moderation.
Peanuts are also more nutritious than peanut butter and don't contain added sugars or trans fats.
Can You Get Too Much Potassium from Peanut Butter?
Although it's relatively high in potassium, it would be difficult to get too much simply by eating peanut butter.
The American Heart Association recommends the consumption of 4,700 mg of potassium in a day, which is about 45 tablespoons of peanut butter.
However, constantly monitor your daily intake and ensure you stay within that set by your doctor.
Many people on a low-potassium diet should limit their peanut butter intake; however, it's a delicious, nutritious dietary addition for those without potassium sensitivity.
Don't know which foods are high in potassium? Read our article 15 Best Food Sources of Potassium. We also have a guide on this important mineral: Potassium 101: All You Need To Know About Potassium.